i , Pa ad 
Iv.12.] | THE FIRST BOOK. i 
thereby, as the principal cause that hath kept them low 
at a stay without growth or advancement. For hence 
it hath comen, that in arts mechanical the first deviser 
comes shortest, and time addeth and perfecteth; but in 
sciences the first author goeth furthest, and time leeseth 
and corrupteth. So we see, artillery, sailing, printing, and 
- the like, were grossly managed at the first, and by time 
accommodated’ and refined: but contrariwise, the philo- 
sophies and sciences of Aristotle, Plato, Democritus, 
Hippocrates, Euclides, Archimedes, of most vigour at 
the first and by time degenerate and imbased ; whereof 
the reason is no other, but that in the former many wits 
and industries have contributed in one; and in the latter 
many wits and industries have been spent about the wit 
of some one, whom many times they have rather de- 
praved than illustrated.” For as water will not ascend 
higher than the level of the first springhead from whence 
it descendeth, so knowledge derived from Aristotle, and 
exempted from liberty of examination, will not rise again 
higher than the knowledge of Aristotle. And therefore 
although the position be good, Ofortet discentem credere, 
yet it must be coupled with this, Oportet edoctum judicare ; 
for disciples do owe unto masters only a temporary belief 
and a suspension of their own judgement till they be 
fully instructed, and not an absolute resignation or per- 
petual captivity: and therefore, to conclude this point, 
I will say no more, but so let great authors have their 
due, as time, which is the author of authors, be not 
deprived of his due, which is, further and further to 
discover truth. Thus have I gone over these three 
diseases of learning; besides the which there are some 
other rather peccant humours than formed diseases, 
which nevertheless are not so secret and intrinsic but 
> ~ * a ~— ioe 
